8 Types of Tactile Fabric to Add to a Loose Parts Play collection

In this article, we will explore 8 types of tactile fabric to add to a loose parts play collection. We will also discuss how to incorporate these fabrics into the play and the benefits of tactile fabric in Loose Parts Play.

What is a Loose Parts Play And Tactile fabric

Loose Parts Play: It is an open-ended play concept that encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to explore and manipulate various loose parts such as stones, sticks, and shells.

Tactile Fabric: It is any material that has a unique texture or feel that provides a sensory experience when touched.

Incorporating tactile fabric in Loose Parts Play can help children enhance their sensory experiences and promote cognitive, physical, and emotional development.

Types of Tactile Fabric to Add to a Loose Parts Play

The following are the types of tactile fabric for loose parts play

1. Felt

Felt is a soft and smooth fabric that is made of compressed fibers. It comes in different colors and textures and is easy to work with.

It is a great tactile fabric for Loose Parts Play because it can be cut into different shapes and sizes, providing endless possibilities for creativity.

Benefits of Felt in Loose Parts Play:

• Felt is soft and gentle, making it an excellent choice for young children
• Felt is durable and can withstand rough play
• Felt can be easily cleaned, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Felt:

• Cutting felt into different shapes and sizes and using them to create pictures or patterns
• Using felt as a background for small world play
• Creating felt characters or animals and using them for storytelling

Also read: 4 Top Differences Between Translucent and Opaque Fabrics

2. Velvet

Velvet is a luxurious fabric that has a soft and plush texture. It is available in different colors and patterns and can be used to create a variety of sensory experiences. Velvet is a tactile fabric that is ideal for creating a cozy and comfortable play environment.

Benefits of Velvet in Loose Parts Play:

• Velvet is soft and plush, providing a comfortable sensory experience
• Velvet can be used for sensory exploration, as it has a unique texture
• Velvet can be easily cleaned, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Velvet:

• Using velvet as a backdrop for small world play
• Creating a sensory bin filled with velvet and loose parts
• Using velvet scraps to create sensory art piece

3. Fleece

Fleece is a warm and cozy fabric that is perfect for Loose Parts Play during colder months. It is available in different colors and patterns and can be easily cut into different shapes and sizes. Fleece is a tactile fabric that provides a unique sensory experience.

Benefits of Fleece in Loose Parts Play:

• Fleece is warm and cozy, providing a comfortable sensory experience
• Fleece is durable and can withstand rough play
• Fleece can be easily cleaned, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Fleece:

• Creating a sensory bin filled with fleece and loose parts
• Using fleece as a backdrop for small world play
• Creating fleece characters or animals and using them for storytelling

4. Fur

Fur is a soft and fluffy fabric that provides a unique sensory experience. It is available in different colors and textures and can be used to create a variety of Loose Parts Play experiences. Fur is a tactile fabric that is ideal for creating a cozy and comfortable play environment.

Benefits of Fur in Loose Parts Play:

• Fur is soft and fluffy, providing a unique sensory experience
• Fur can be used for sensory exploration, as it has a unique texture
• Fur can be easily cleaned, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Fur:

• Using fur as a sensory bin filler with small loose parts such as pom-poms, beads, and stones
• Using fur as a backdrop for small world play
• Creating sensory art pieces with fur and loose parts, such as creating a textured collage

5. Burlap

Burlap is a rough and coarse fabric that provides a unique sensory experience. It is available in different colors and can be used to create a variety of textures. Burlap is a tactile fabric that is ideal for creating a rustic and natural play environment.

Benefits of Burlap in Loose Parts Play:

• Burlap has a rough and coarse texture, providing a unique sensory experience
• Burlap can be used to create a variety of textures, such as a rough ground for small world play
• It can withstand rough play and also durable

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Burlap:

• Using burlap as a ground texture for small world play, such as creating a desert or forest scene
• Cutting burlap into different shapes and sizes and using them to create sensory art pieces
• Creating sensory bags filled with loose parts and burlap scraps for tactile exploration

6. Lace

Lace is a delicate and intricate fabric that provides a unique sensory experience. It is available in different patterns and can be used to create a variety of textures. Lace is a tactile fabric that is ideal for creating a feminine and delicate play environment.

Benefits of Lace in Loose Parts Play:

• Lace has a delicate and intricate texture, providing a unique sensory experience
• Lace can be used to create a variety of textures, such as a lace curtain or a lace-covered surface
• Lace is easy to clean, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Lace:

• Using lace as a backdrop for small world play, such as creating a princess castle or a ballerina stage
• Cutting lace into different shapes and sizes and using them to create sensory art pieces
• Creating sensory bags filled with loose parts and lace scraps for tactile exploration

7. Satin

Satin is a smooth and silky fabric that provides a luxurious sensory experience. It is available in different colors and can be used to create a variety of textures. Satin is a tactile fabric that is ideal for creating a sophisticated and elegant play environment.

Benefits of Satin in Loose Parts Play:

• Satin has a smooth and silky texture, providing a luxurious sensory experience
• Satin can be used to create a variety of textures, such as a silky surface or a satin curtain
• Satin is easy to clean, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Satin:

• Using satin as a backdrop for small world play, such as creating a palace or a theater
• Cutting satin into different shapes and sizes and using them to create sensory art pieces
• Creating sensory bags filled with loose parts and satin scraps for tactile exploration

8. Leather

Leather is a durable and sturdy fabric that provides a unique sensory experience. It is available in different colors and can be used to create a variety of textures. Leather is a tactile fabric that is ideal for creating a rugged and natural play environment.

Benefits of Leather in Loose Parts Play:

• Leather has a sturdy and durable texture, providing a unique sensory experience
• Leather can be used to create a variety of textures, such as a leather pouch or a leather-covered surface
• Leather is easy to clean, making it hygienic

Examples of Loose Parts Play with Leather:

• Using leather scraps as a backdrop for small world play, such as creating a cowboy town or a safari scene
• Cutting leather into different shapes and sizes and using them to create sensory art pieces
• Creating sensory bags filled with loose parts and leather scraps for tactile exploration

Loose parts play is an important and valuable activity for children’s development, and incorporating tactile fabrics can enhance the sensory experience and add a new dimension to the play.

By adding different types of tactile fabrics, children can explore and engage with their senses in new and exciting ways, and develop their fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

From soft and cozy fur to rough and rustic burlap, each fabric has unique properties that can add value to the play experience.

By incorporating tactile fabrics into loose parts play, children can learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and stimulating environment.

So why not add some tactile fabrics to your play collection today and see how your children’s playtime comes alive with a whole new level of sensory exploration!